The Director-General of Global Initiatives for Good Governance, Dr. Emeka Kalu, has urged all parties involved in the ongoing Rivers State political crisis to exercise restraint and prioritize the interests of the state and its people.
In a statement issued in Lagos, Dr. Kalu advised both factions to await the final court ruling on the case of the 27 lawmakers accused of defection.
Commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s approach, Kalu said, “Amidst the growing tension surrounding the state’s political climate, the governor has called on the people to remain calm and continue their daily activities while awaiting the certified true copy of the Supreme Court verdict. This will enable him to study its content and act accordingly in the best interest of the state.”
He further urged the governor to remain steadfast, stating, “He should not be pressured into making decisions that contradict the will and interests of the people who elected him. In his statewide broadcast, he assured that he would implement the court’s decision as long as it does not jeopardize the interests of the state and its citizens.”
As an advocate for peace, accountability, and good governance, Kalu also cautioned against attempts to impeach the governor, saying, “Those secretly plotting impeachment should abandon such divisive plans and embrace peace and cooperation for the state’s progress while awaiting the court’s ruling on the reinstated 27 lawmakers.”
Emphasizing the importance of judicial integrity, Kalu warned, “The Nigerian judiciary must not be undermined by political high-handedness. Instead, it must uphold justice in the best interest of the people, in line with democratic values and the rule of law. A compromised judiciary leads to the death of democracy and the rise of political opportunists who prioritize their selfish ambitions over the people’s welfare.”
He further cautioned that if the Rivers State crisis is not properly addressed, it could pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Dr. Kalu, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene once again to ensure a swift resolution to the crisis.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said the 10th House of Representatives through its Constitution Review Committee has made it a priority to champion constitutional amendments that promote national unity and cohesion, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure greater inclusion among the people.
The effort, he said, is also part of the ambitious legislative agenda of the House which focuses on economic growth, security, social justice, and governance reforms.
Speaking virtually at the beginning of a 2-Day Retreat for his Senior Legislative Aides in Lagos on Thursday, Kalu said the Committee which he also chairs is engaging stakeholders across all sectors to ensure that the outcomes of the process will reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people, emphasizing it will provide a solid foundation for national development.
Organized by the Office of the Deputy Speaker in conjunction with Rule of Law and Anti-corruption (RoLAC) and the European Union (EU), the retreat is themed “Strengthening Legislative Support: Enhancing the Role of Aides in Governance”.
Deputy SpeakerHon. Ben Kalu House of Reps
Kalu said: “The 10th House of Representatives has set an ambitious legislative agenda focused on economic growth, security, social justice, and governance reforms. As Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, we have prioritized constitutional amendments that promote national unity, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure greater inclusion. We are engaging stakeholders across all sectors to ensure that our laws reflect the aspirations of the Nigerian people and provide a solid foundation for national development.”
Kalu noted that the retreat aims to equip the legislative aides with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to support effective governance and democratic processes in Nigeria.
He also underscored the significance of continuous learning and innovation in legislative processes.
Kalu cited a research exercise conducted by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), which shows that well-trained legislative aides contribute to over 60% of successful bill refinements before passage.
The Deputy Speaker also noted that countries with stronger legislative institutions experience economic growth rates 30% higher than those with weaker governance structures, citing research by the World Bank.
“According to the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) well-trained legislative aides contribute to over 60% of successful bill refinements before passage. This means that the strength of our legal frameworks and the impact of governance rest significantly on the expertise and dedication of those who support the legislative process. We must take this responsibility seriously.
“Furthermore, research by the World Bank indicates that countries with stronger legislative institutions experience economic growth rates 30% higher than those with weaker governance structures. This statistic reinforces the fact that our collective efforts are not just about good governance—they are about national prosperity.
“Think of the challenges before us: our communities in need of policies that uplift and empower, our nation yearning for stability and prosperity. The laws we draft, the policies we shape, and the motions we move are not just legislative exercises; they are the bedrock of national development.
“Therefore, this retreat is a call to action. It is a call to refine your skills, deepen your expertise, and enhance your strategic thinking. It is a call to move beyond routine tasks and become proactive drivers of legislative impact. Because when we strengthen legislative support, we strengthen governance itself. And when we enhance the role of aides, we empower legislators to make informed, people-centered decisions.
“We must embrace legislative innovations that make governance more transparent and accessible. We must champion policies that bridge the gap between government and the governed. We must become the architects of a legislature that is not just reactive, but proactive—one that anticipates challenges and crafts sustainable solutions”, he said.
Kalu expressed gratitude to the European Union and RoLAC for their unwavering commitment to institutional strengthening, noting that “their support is not just about funding programs; it is about investing in the future of governance in Nigeria”.
Earlier, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Tordue Umah in his welcome address said the retreat is a strategic mechanism to reinforce the efficiency of the legislative aides.
“This gathering is not a mere formality; rather, it is a deliberate and strategic engagement aimed at refining our expertise, reinforcing our effectiveness, and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of legislative excellence”, he said.
Also speaking, Mrs Oluwatoyosi Giwa, the Project Manager of RoLAC and International IDEA, expressed confidence that the workshop will help to sharpen the technical competence of the legislative aides, enabling them to deliver effectively.
“We are confident that this workshop will support the capacity of legislative aides to play their administrative and technical role in the lawmaking process and in scrutinizing and steering the work government for the interest of the people”, she said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction of Ugenyi Kalu, a banker, who was sentenced to four years and two months in prison by the Ikeja Special Offences Court for fraud.
In a statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) page on Tuesday, the EFCC revealed that Kalu was convicted after being arraigned before Justice R.A. Oshodi on five counts of official corruption and gratification.
Despite pleading not guilty, the case proceeded to a full trial. The prosecution, led by G.C. Ofulue, presented six witnesses, including two former colleagues of Kalu from his bank, who testified against him.
On February 12, Justice Oshodi ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, convicting Kalu on four counts.
This conviction adds to the EFCC’s recent successes in prosecuting financial crimes. In 2019, the commission secured the conviction of Anayo Nwosu and Olajide Oshodi, from another bank, who were sentenced to five years in prison for their role in an ₦855 million fraud—a verdict upheld by the Court of Appeal in April 2024.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has stated that the decision to abolish the death penalty in Nigeria ultimately lies with its citizens.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Death Penalty Project, led by officials from the British High Commission in Abuja on Thursday, Kalu emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and public debate on the matter.
He noted that over 130 countries have abolished the death penalty either in law or practice, reflecting a global shift towards rehabilitation and restorative justice.
Kalu highlighted that Nigeria’s legal framework currently prescribes capital punishment for offenses such as murder, armed robbery, and treason. He acknowledged concerns raised by the high number of death row inmates, underscoring the need for reform in the criminal justice system.
Although there is no bill presently before the House on the issue, Kalu revealed that the Constitution Review Committee, which he chairs, is exploring the matter. He hinted at the possibility of presenting a bill for debate and public input.
“There is an international trend toward the abolition of the death penalty, with growing support for a global moratorium on executions,” Kalu said. “We are considering presenting this matter before the parliament to gauge whether it aligns with the needs of our society. Public hearings will ensure that citizens can contribute to this important discussion.”
He assured that any reform would aim to balance justice with human rights, emphasizing the need for fairness and proportionality in the justice system.
Saul Lehrfreund, Co-founder and Co-Executive Director of the Death Penalty Project, praised Nigeria’s willingness to engage in discussions on the matter. He highlighted Zimbabwe’s recent abolition of the death penalty and expressed hope for similar progress in Nigeria.
“We believe dialogue and collaboration are crucial in rethinking the use of the death penalty. We are here to share our experience and explore how the Constitution can be amended to support such reforms,” Lehrfreund stated.
Kalu reiterated that the discussions are not intended to downplay the gravity of capital offenses but to ensure that Nigeria’s justice system remains fair and aligned with international best practices.
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has called on the government of United Kingdom (UK) to support Nigeria’s fight against corruption.
He made the call during his speech in an event tagged “UK-Nigeria Collaboration: A Parliamentary Strategic Dialogue” which attracted the presence of the Deputy Leader of the British House of Lords, Rt. Hon. Lord Collins among other members of parliament from Nigeria and UK in London on Wednesday.
Kalu emphasized the importance of collaboration between the two countries in tackling corruption amongst other challenges.
He commended the diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, highlighting the potential for deepened economic relationships.
Referencing the partnership between Nigeria and the UK as a testament to shared values and mutual interests, Kalu added that by deepening collaboration across these sectors, both countries will unlock the opportunities for sustainable growth and development.
He said: “The UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership establishes a comprehensive framework for deepening bilateral relations and achieving shared objectives. This collaboration spans six pillars: Growth and Jobs: Through the Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), both nations will drive mutual economic growth by addressing market barriers, boosting two-way trade, and fostering sustainable investments in manufacturing, agriculture, and energy.
“Both nations commit to facilitating safe migration, tackling visa abuse, and operationalizing prisoner transfer agreements while advancing reforms in global financial systems.
“I wish to call on the UK Government to intensify its efforts towards supporting Nigeria’s war against corruption in all its facets. One of the ways the UK can support this fight is to ease the process of repatriation of monies seized from Nigerian officials that are trapped in the UK financial system. Incidentally, I am here with the Chairman of the Nigerian Parliament Committee on Financial Crimes and he will be happy to continue the conversation with relevant officials.
“Nigeria seeks the UK’s continued support in recovering illicit funds. Enhanced collaboration should focus on: Setting up mechanisms to curb illicit financial flows. Strengthening institutions to combat corruption. Facilitating asset recovery processes through bilateral agreements”.
Kalu who is the Chairman, Nigeria’s House Committee on Constitution Review and an advocate for political inclusion also called on the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to support the work of the panel.
“As Chair of the House Committee on Constitution Review, I acknowledge the monumental task of refining Nigeria’s constitutional framework to reflect the evolving needs of its people. Key issues under deliberation—such as the creation of special status seats for women in legislative assemblies, the enactment of more gendersensitive legislation, and the potential introduction of sub-national policing—are pivotal to fostering inclusive governance and addressing the nation’s security challenges.
“Thus, I implore the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to extend tailored support to the Committee’s critical work. By providing technical assistance, research expertise, and capacity-building programs, the FCDO can help ensure that these constitutional reforms are comprehensive, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.
“Such support would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions but also reinforce shared values of equity, justice, and security, which underpin the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership. This collaboration would demonstrate a profound commitment to empowering marginalized groups, ensuring safer communities, and fortifying Nigeria’s legislative framework for future generations”, he said.
